Attackers in India rape case to face murder charge

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NEW DELHI (AP) — Officials say six men in India could face the death penalty if convicted of murder charges filed today in the gang-rape and beating of a woman on a bus in New Delhi two weeks ago.

The woman died today in a hospital in Singapore and the case has triggered protests across India for greater protection for women from sexual violence, and raised questions about lax attitudes by police toward sexual crimes.

The victim had severe internal injuries, a lung infection and brain damage. She also suffered from a heart attack while in the hospital in New Delhi.

The frightening nature of the crime shocked Indians, who have come out in the thousands for almost daily demonstrations.

As news of the victim's death reached New Delhi early today, hundreds of policemen sealed off the high-security India Gate area, where the seat of India's government is located.